Bloodshot Reborn #10
Publisher: Valiant
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Lewis Larosa
Colorist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Dave Lanphear
Cover: Lewis Larosa
I’m going to start this off by saying that if you are not currently reading Bloodshot Reborn then go to your local comic shop and start by picking up this issue right now! If not now, then at least after you finish reading this review.
We’re transported thirty years into the future after the last issue and things aren’t looking too good for some. The fortunate few are living the good life in the walled city of Los Angeles while the rest are scratching out a living in the harsh desert land outside. Lemire introduces us to a much older “Ray” aka Bloodshot who has the look of an old timey prospector. A shadow of the man he used to be and looks nothing like the killing machine created by Project Rising Spirit decades ago. But this unassuming man is now the protector of a small settlement and he’s going to see to it that they survive.
Lemire wastes little time setting things in motion as we are introduced to this new world. It’s also clearly evident from the start why this is called “The Analog Man”. The technology that helped to create Bloodshot is now obsolete which he now uses to his advantage to stay invisible to the sentries that patrol the walled city. Lemire also makes sure that for any new readers that this story feels comfortable by putting them on the same playing field as longtime fans. Those of you who have been immersed in Valiant’s titles will get some hints as to what happened to some of your favorite characters during this thirty year gap also. Hints that are so good that you’ll wish Lemire was putting out those stories as well. There is a familiar element put in here that frames the chase scene. There are those who might take issue with this but it perfectly fits and takes Lemire’s action sequence someplace fun that gives Larosa some very cool scenes to draw.
Now, Lewis Larosa makes every page a fantastic piece of visual storytelling. You’ve probably heard that before but here it’s so, so true. From the opening with the kids sneaking around “Ray’s” home to the action sequences there is nothing here that comes up short. There’s a transformation sequence that lets you know that things are about to get serious and by the time you get to the splash page there’s a character that’s ready to take care of business. We also get some great cinematic angles and movement but it’s when the action kicks up that things get even better. Larosa’s panel arrangements reflect what’s going on inside while heightening the story and giving some more weight to the action. Reber’s colors are pretty amazing as well especially when we get the character reveal before the big action sequence.
Bloodshot Reborn #10 is one of the best issues in a series that’s been good from the start. This direction feels exciting, dangerous, and is exactly what was needed. The entire creative team is on it’s way to putting out one of the best story arcs this character has been involved in if they can keep up what was started here. So go ahead, add this to your pull list, preorder, but go out and pick up this issue now!
Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
